In the Distance SummaryHernan Diaz

In the Distance Overview

In the Distance by Hernan Diaz takes place in the mid-1800s and follows Håkan Söderström, an immigrant from Sweden who travels to America. While traveling to America, Håkan becomes separated from his brother Linus and accidentally boards a boat to California. Håkan decides to begin traveling east towards New York, which was Håkan and Linus’ original destination. During Håkan’s journey, he is faced with many harsh challenges and malevolent figures, but he also encounters kind and altruistic people who wish to help him. The novel explores themes of benevolence, malevolence, identity, and nature.